Thanks everyone! It was a fun build and had elements that I had never tackled before; figuring out how to make things work is half the fun anyway.
I have had a couple of people ask about the "styrene weld" I used so I thought I'd share the answers here for everyone:
Is there a specific ratio or recipe for the styrene/lacquer mixture?
There's no real "ratio" as what's not used of the lacquer thinner just floats on the top. All that is really needed is enough to cover the styrene pieces and enough time to turn the solid pieces into the
goop. I draw the liquid styrene up with a syringe and place the syringe with the plunger facing down to allow even more of the lacquer thinner to separate out (this can take a few minutes); then I squirt the clear lacquer thinner out. This allows the "weld" to dry quicker, IMO. Also, I've noticed if I allow a thin layer of lacquer thinner to remain over the
goop then I can keep the
goop liquid in the sealed container for use later. Of course, leaving the container open would allow the lacquer thinner to evaporate and the
goop to harden.
Disclaimer: lacquer thinner is flammable and comes in a metal container for a reason! I would suggest using a metal container if you choose to keep the remainder for future use.
BTW, if you want clear or colored styrene glue then all you have to do is get some of those fast food drink covers that are made of polystyrene and throw 'em in. I've tried making little casting of things using this method to no avail; I thought I could squirt some of the
goop into a a clay mold and knock out a couple of faux LEDs but it creates too many bubbles in the styrene to make it work. Even surface-work can be hard with it due to the bubbles. It's great for reinforcing though!
A syringe isn't absolutely needed either as the goop could be applied with just about anything (I used a metal chisel at first); the syringe allows for a neater application though. Of course, if it's applied to the inside of a project then it doesn't matter either way. :lol
I hope this helps!
- Karl